Japanese trade shows some signs of revival. More missionaries are
needed, as also more care in selecting them. The treasury is heavily
indebted, and has not sufficient income; and trade restrictions
and Portuguese competition have greatly injured the commerce of
the islands. Of painful interest to the Philippines are the cruel
persecutions that still rage in Japan.

Medina, continuing his history, recounts the choice of Lorenzo de León
as provincial of the Augustinian order, and his subsequent deposition;
but this is stated in brief and cautious terms. In 1602 Pedro de Arce
(later bishop of Cebú) is elected to that high post; Medina extols
the virtues and ability of this noted prelate, and relates many
things to show these. He then proceeds to give another version of the
difficulties connected with the second election of Lorenzo de León,
one side of which was told in _vol. xiii_; Medina takes sides with
that provincial, and regrets his deposition from office, but contents
himself with a statement of the bare facts, and some general comments.

In 1606, missionaries of the discalced (or Recollect) Augustinians
arrive in the Philippines. The missions established by them are
enumerated, many being ceded to them by the regular Augustinians;
their labors extend even to Cuyo and Calamianes, and eastern Mindanao,
among the Moro peoples. León's unexpired term as provincial is most
worthily filled by Pedro de Arce. In 1608 he is succeeded by Fray Pedro
de Solier, a man of great ability and zeal, who conducts the affairs
of the province well, and brings the religious therein under stricter
discipline. Certain differences arise between the two Augustinian
orders, and an inspection of their houses and affairs is ordered
from Rome. For those in Filipinas is appointed (1609) Fray Diego de
Guevara, who had been sent to Europe some years before as an envoy